Disappointed about my windows being tinted today...

[niennumb1]

Hey, all-

Just got back from having my windows tinted. I got the presidential package and I gotta say I thought it was going to be darker.

So I'm from WA State and the laws say 35% is the darkest visibility you can go and a bunch of people I know confirmed this. So I pick up my car and there were things that bugged me.

I said to do it ALL around. They didn't tint the windshield! Is that extra or something or is it against the law?

Given I have a tan interior, but you can still plainly see things through the windows.

Now I have seen MANY cars in my day on the freeway. A bunch with some seriously dark windows. So what's the deal with these people? Isn't that illegal then? I see practically black back windows on all kinda of consumer cars so you can't see through the window looking in.

I guess I'm a bit pissed off that while I did get the darkest I could legally go, others seem to have much dark windows driving around every day with this stuff and getting away with it. I need to figure this out for when I call tomorrow to ask why they didn't do the windshield and why it is that other cars have some seriously black film on their cars and are not getting fined or pulled over for this? If people are allowed to go darker I want it darker!



To the company's credit they did do an amazing job on the tint and it looks wonderful, but it's not as dark as I was hoping. I could be happier if they had at least done the front windshield. I wanted all windows to match tint.

[KimberKenobi]

Pics?

[07Vsdn]

They don't tint the windshield unless you ask and I'm sure it cost extra.

35% is not very dark at all. They should have had samples for you to view. The guy I use has the front windows on his business tinted the different percentages so his customers can see. But, even that is not real reliable as different cars look different like you said before, interior can make a difference.

I got 20% on my Mustang and it is a coupe with dark interior so it is pretty dark, a little darker then what I wanted actually.

I think 30% (maybe 35%) is the legal limit here in Indiana, too. When I bought a Protege5 in 2002 it was tinted by the dealer and they did the legal limit. Wasn't very dark at all but I liked it.

With my wife's Versa sedan I think I'm going to do 20% on the back to dim the headlights from behind at night and then do 30-35% on the sides.

All those cars you see on the road with very dark tint are illegal; depending on the state of course.

[rwanttaja]

Hey, all-

Just got back from having my windows tinted. I got the presidential package and I gotta say I thought it was going to be darker.

So I'm from WA State and the laws say 35% is the darkest visibility you can go and a bunch of people I know confirmed this. So I pick up my car and there were things that bugged me.

I said to do it ALL around. They didn't tint the windshield! Is that extra or something or is it against the law?

It's a'gin the law....http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/WA/

(I wrote this in Kimber's native dialect...after that comment about us V-owners in Washington state :-)

Now I have seen MANY cars in my day on the freeway. A bunch with some seriously dark windows. So what's the deal with these people? Isn't that illegal then?

Yup. They either A) Found a shop that didn't care about the law, B) Took it out of state, or C) Did it themselves. The most the cops'll do is write them a ticket.

Ron

[Woogie]

Also, I think the tinting laws only apply to aftermarket tints. I've seen plenty of new cars, vans, and SUVs still on the dealer lots with the rear windows tinted very dark. I suppose they just come that way.

[Ever Victorious]

Actually, SUV's have different tint limits.

In WA, a passenger car may legally have 35% all the way around, except the windshield, which can only be tinted along the top 6".

SUV's and "Multi Purpose Vehicles" (limos, etc.) can have 5% tint on all glass behind the driver's seat, and 35% on the front side windows.

Still, people ignore this and tint darker than is illegal. Some cops don't care, but it doesn't change the fact that it is illegal and if you are pulled over and ticketed, you don't have any legal recourse unless your tint IS legal.

[Kolk1]

35% is barley noticeable.

Noway was the windshield included in the price. That is always extra.

Even here in IL, 35 is the darkest for the front 2 doors, but every car ive owned ive had 5% all the way around(clear windshield with 5% sunstrip), and never been harassed by cops.

[marleyfan]

I just had mine done last weekend. I got 35 all around (except the windshield). Here in BC it is illegal to tint the driver and passenger front windows but I went ahead and did it anyway. I chose 35% so that I would be less likely to be hassled by the police. If you get pulled over you could get ticketed and be required to have it removed. While 35% isnt as dark as others I have seen I think it looks great. I think that cars that have super dark tinting all around look like they are being driven by punks or gang bangers and many cops think the same thing so you often become a target. Especially in locales where it is illegal.

[sambot]

I heard a story about the most successful tax auditor. Turns out his strategy for "choosing" people to audit was to look for cars with vanity plates and the darkest tints available. His philosophy was that people who tint dark have a lot to hide, and if they have vanity plates, can afford it. He'd get their names & addresses from motor vehicles, and then do his thing. I don't know if this is a true story or an urban myth, but it was a tax type person who passed it on and swore he knew who it was.

[Bubs daddy]

In AZ, 33% in the front windows and any darkness in the rear and back windows.

Because others drive around with darker tint than they should doesn't mean they can't get cited. You'll usually be issued a fix-it ticket and then have to verify the corrections have been made to comply by dmv visit or other method.

[Bubs daddy]

Quote »Also, I think the tinting laws only apply to aftermarket tints.[/quote]The law applies to all tinting. Glass tinted by the manufacturer must comply with current state law. WA I believe is 35% all around with the exception of the aforementioned SUV-van.

Will an LEO pull you over just for tint? Probably not but if they make a traffic stop for other reasons (speed, red light, etc.), they'll probably cite for the tint as well.

[Clipsed]

Will an LEO pull you over just for tint? Probably not but if they make a traffic stop for other reasons (speed, red light, etc.), they'll probably cite for the tint as well.

I disagree with you, here in LA, they WILL stop you just for tint, as that is suspicious, and probable cause to other things. It doesn't bother me though, I just drive with my windows down, but if they stop you just for the tint and you act iffy around here, they will most likely end up searching your vehicle and see what is inside.

[07Vsdn]

the term you need to use is not probable cause but reasonable suspicion, which is a lesser standard of proof that a crime is or has been committed.

can they stop you? yes.will they stop you? maybe.have they stopped me? at 20% i've never been stopped for tint.

i think if you you go 5% or "limo" tint it is not a question of if but when.

I disagree with you, here in LA, they WILL stop you just for tint, as that is suspicious, and probable cause to other things. It doesn't bother me though, I just drive with my windows down, but if they stop you just for the tint and you act iffy around here, they will most likely end up searching your vehicle and see what is inside.

[07Vsdn]

Again, people talk about "the law" but never show the law.

Too many wive's tales out there...

http://www.in.gov/legislative/...9.pdf

Indiana Code 9-19-19-4 regulates window tinting and starts out:

"This section does not apply to a manufacturer's tinting or glazing of motor vehicle windows or windshields..."

I had an '03 Ford Explorer and as a guy that has had four cars with tinted windows I promise you the tint on the back windows (from the manufacturer) was greater then the (otherwise) legal limit here in Indiana, which according to 9-19-19-4 is 30%.



I'm going to be tinting my wife's car today (if he can get me in) and she wants the lightest tint possible. She actually doesn't want any at all but she is patronizing me...

I'll post pics of 30% tint.

The law applies to all tinting. Glass tinted by the manufacturer must comply with current state law. WA I believe is 35% all around with the exception of the aforementioned SUV-van.

Will an LEO pull you over just for tint? Probably not but if they make a traffic stop for other reasons (speed, red light, etc.), they'll probably cite for the tint as well.

Modified by 07Vsdn at 4:57 AM 7/20/2007

[kc5f]

Some states go beyond just stopping you. Here in NC when you get your inspection if you have after-factory tint you are charged $10 extra for them to check the percent, and if it's not within the state guidelines you will fail the inspection and have 30 days to get it corrected. After 120 days if you don't have a current inspection you can get hit with a $250 fine...

[Ever Victorious]

Again, people talk about "the law" but never show the law.

In the case of tint laws, we're not just dilly dallying or making stuff up. We actually compiled a list of state laws for tint and posted it in the information center off the portal page.

http://www.nissanversa.org/generalfaq.shtml

[nfntruth]

I got mine tinted last week, and I too was a bit dissappointed. I got 5 % on all the rear windows, and 20% in the front. Of course this is illegal. I have had it on all my cars, only one car got me in trouble, it was a mirror fade. I have never heard of a cop pulling someone over for just tint, its one of those things they usually just tack on if you are an *** to them if they pull you over for speeding. Anyway, I have a problem. The tint has a MAJOR reflection in the driver side, so bad that I can't see my mirror. Gotta figure out what I am going to do, my 06 explorer does it on the windshield, a major design flaw, and a dash cover helped, but not really an option for the refelction in the side window. I will figure out something...

[marleyfan]

Again, people talk about "the law" but never show the law.

Too many wive's tales out there...

http://www.in.gov/legislative/...9.pdf

Indiana Code 9-19-19-4 regulates window tinting and starts out:

"This section does not apply to a manufacturer's tinting or glazing of motor vehicle windows or windshields..."

If you are going to quote a law then perhaps you should quote the law relevant to the state of the original poster, in this case Washington. Also, reading the ENTIRE law may be a good idea. Context is everything. Your quote is misleading without the context of the remainder of the law. Here is the entire section. Try reading past the part you quoted.

"This section does not apply to a manufacturer's tintingor glazing of motor vehicle windows or windshields that is otherwisein compliance with or permitted by FMVSS205 as promulgated in 49CFR 571.205. Proof from the manufacturer, supplier, or installer thatthe tinting or glazing is in compliance with or permitted byFMVSS205 must be carried in the vehicle."

Clearly the manufacturers tinting must be in compliance.

[ace rothstein 81]

I have been a bit disappointed with the darkness of my tint as well. I got it done just about a month ago. It's 35 everywhere but the windshield with a 15 visor there. I wish it was legal here to get 15 or at least 20 on the front and back windows as well as the rear windshield. The fact that I have a white car with light colored interior definitely doesn't help it appear any more dark.

[biggie]

I have been a bit disappointed with the darkness of my tint as well. I got it done just about a month ago. It's 35 everywhere but the windshield with a 15 visor there. I wish it was legal here to get 15 or at least 20 on the front and back windows as well as the rear windshield. The fact that I have a white car with light colored interior definitely doesn't help it appear any more dark.

Yes NC sucks for that.

I will do 35% all around just to avoid the hassle of inspection (My coupe has 20% and I have to drive an hour away tomorrow to get the sticker). I hope the visors will help a little as well for blocking some light coming in.

Friend here got pulled last year for having too dark on her 4dr Accord, it was at 15-20%. And that was all they pulled her for, he just pulled up beside her at a red light on a cloudy/raining day.

[versa2nr]

Legal limits here in TX I believe are 35% in the front and 25% in the back. I went darker because it seriously helps with keeping the car cooler during the heat of the summer. The tint combined with a sun shade helps keep me from baking when I get in my car after it has been sitting outside in the sun.

[niennumb1]

I like how they mention the benefits of tinting on local websites. One of them says it's great for keeping the glare out of your eyes.

That would be such a great thing if they ALLOWED TINT ON THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD, LOL!

These laws just suck, but I don't wanna get in trouble, so I'm just gonna stick with what I got. I'll get used to it, but I do wish the state laws would allow darker. I just don't wanna take the risk because yes, I am THAT lucky to be one of the small percent to get pulled over and fined for something like that. It's just my life curse.

[unclejbird]

VA regulations are surprisingly generous on what's allowed. Go figure!

Any NC/VA Versa get-togethers that you know of?

[Bubs daddy]

Quote »Again, people talk about "the law" but never show the law.Too many wive's tales out there...

http://www.in.gov/legislative/...9.pdf

Indiana Code 9-19-19-4 regulates window tinting and starts out:

"This section does not apply to a manufacturer's tinting or glazing of motor vehicle windows or windshields..."

I had an '03 Ford Explorer and as a guy that has had four cars with tinted windows I promise you the tint on the back windows (from the manufacturer) was greater then the (otherwise) legal limit here in Indiana, which according to 9-19-19-4 is 30%.

[/quote]Did you even read the post? I was referring to Washington state, not Indiana. You even quote me and it states I was referring to WA.

[Deke40]

Legal limits here in TX I believe are 35% in the front and 25% in the back. I went darker because it seriously helps with keeping the car cooler during the heat of the summer. The tint combined with a sun shade helps keep me from baking when I get in my car after it has been sitting outside in the sun.

This link http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/v...5.htm agrees with the one EV posted and just about all the installers here will only put 35% on the front side windows. I got 20% on the rest of mine as he said the hatchback is rated like a MPV for the rest of the windows. I truthly don't think anything under 20% is safe at night. Maybe it's just my tired old eyes.

PS. This link http://www.textint.com/toppage...ties explains the MPV(Multi-purpose-vehicle) limits in Texas.

Modified by Deke40 at 2:07 PM 7/21/2007
Modified by Deke40 at 2:11 PM 7/21/2007

[catwoman04]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but even though 35% is the legal limit for tint, it applies only to the front windows (driver and passenger). I recently did mine and I tinted the front windows at 35% but the back windows are much darker and he called it limo tint so that you can't see in it. The very back window is 35% because I wanted to be able to see out the back at night when reversing. I think it is illegal to tint the front windshield. The guy told me that 35% is the legal darkness because if you get pulled over, a cop needs to be able to see you clearly through the window. You can always go darker, but you can get fined. At least that is what the law says in Canada. I'm not sure if it's different in the States.

[Martin Roy]

Indeed, in most canadian provinces, the law only applies to the windshield (15 centimeters in the top of the window) and to the front windows. The back and rear windows have no limits, so you can make them perfectly black without problems.

[Deke40]

Martin Roy-I had been meaning to ask you about the 280 watt rating you show on your radio in your signature. I have the loaded one and Edmunds only shows that at 180 watts. Is there somewhere on the sticker or paper work that shows 280 watts. I would be interested to know. Thanks.

Modified by Deke40 at 4:25 AM 7/22/2007
Modified by Deke40 at 4:26 AM 7/22/2007

[Ever Victorious]

That would be such a great thing if they ALLOWED TINT ON THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD, LOL!

Ever tried driving around at night with sunglasses on? That's basically what it would be like if you tinted the windshield. There's a very good reason that you're not allowed to.

I for one would never tint my windshield, even if it WAS legal.

[starlight0229]

I have never heard of a cop pulling someone over for just tint, its one of those things they usually just tack on if you are an *** to them if they pull you over for speeding.

It used to happen to my boyfriend before he moved here. I was even with him once when we went to visit his mom. He was doing anything else illegal and all of a sudden we got pulled over by an unmarked car. It was an older guy, so we joked that he was just taking it out on us young kids... But it was a $75 ticket...